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Chapter 9

Dining with Dignity: God's Provision Despite Opposition

Psalm 23:5.

"You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over."

Now, there is something fascinating here. David is actually talking to the Lord, and he says, "You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies" (Psalm 23:5). This statement reveals a profound aspect of David's relationship with God, one that is deeply rooted in the shepherd-sheep analogy.

By allegorizing the Lord to a shepherd rather than a master, David highlights the intimate and personal nature of their relationship. A shepherd is deeply invested in the welfare and needs of his sheep, often going to great lengths to ensure their well-being. This includes nursing them back to health when they are sick, or even spoon-feeding them when necessary. In contrast, a master would not typically be involved in such hands-on care, instead relying on hired help or servants to tend to the needs of their subjects.

In this context, David's statement that the Lord prepares a table for him in the presence of his enemies takes on a profound significance. Whatever the table represents - whether it be a symbol of provision, abundance, or celebration - it is the Lord Himself who is preparing it for David. This emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of God's care for His people, highlighting the fact that He is deeply invested in their well-being and prosperity.

The fact that God prepares a table for David in the presence of his enemies is a powerful testament to the Lord's sovereignty and omnipotence. This poignant imagery serves as a reminder that those who trust in Him will not be intimidated or disturbed by the presence of their enemies. Despite the anticipation and desires of their adversaries, God's flock will continue to thrive, untouched by the turmoil that surrounds them. They will remain steadfast, unshaken, and unruffled, a testament to the Lord's unwavering presence and protection.

This phenomenon is vividly illustrated in the biblical accounts of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who rejoiced in the Lord's presence inside the fiery furnace, accompanied by the mysterious fourth man (Daniel 3:1-30). Their captor, King Nebuchadnezzar, and his lieutenants were astonished to witness the three Hebrew boys emerging from the furnace unscathed, their faith and trust in God remaining unshaken despite the intense heat of the furnace.

Similarly, Daniel's experience in the lions' den demonstrates the Lord's sovereignty and protection over His people (Daniel 6:1-28). Despite being surrounded by hungry lions, Daniel remained calm and unruffled, his faith in God's deliverance unwavering. The king, Darius, was amazed to find Daniel alive and well the next morning, a testament to the Lord's power and protection.

By setting a table before David in the presence of his enemies, God is, in effect, declaring His own supremacy and the supremacy of His flock over all circumstances. This bold declaration echoes the Psalmist's confident assertion in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." This statement underscores the believer's unwavering trust in God's presence, protection, and provision, even in the midst of adversity and challenge.

Another poignant example of a table being prepared in the presence of one's enemies is the story of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. Hated by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph ended up in Egypt, where he rose to become a powerful leader (Genesis 37-41). In a dramatic turn of events, Joseph's brothers, who had once sought to destroy him, came to Egypt and bowed before him, fulfilling the dreams Joseph had earlier (Genesis 42-45). This remarkable reversal of fortunes illustrates how the Lord prepared a table for Joseph in the presence of his enemies, demonstrating His sovereignty and power to turn adversity into triumph.

In this sense, it doesn't matter whether one's enemies are from within or outside, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. God is always able to cause His people to triumph over their adversaries, as He did for Joseph in Egypt. This promise is echoed in Romans 8:37, where the Apostle Paul declares, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Centuries later, the Egyptians witnessed the thriving of the Israelites, despite Pharaoh's sinister plan to cull their population (Exodus 1:15-22). Instead of being weakened, the Israelites continued to multiply and grow strong, a testament to the Lord's power and protection over His people. This remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, God is always able to cause His people to triumph over their enemies and to prepare a table for them in the presence of those who seek to harm them.

At another time, Balak, the king of Moab, called upon Balaam, a renowned pagan prophet, to curse the Israelites on his behalf (Numbers 22-24). Balak was desperate to thwart the Israelites' advance, as they had been victorious in their previous battles and were now encamped near the border of Moab. He hoped that Balaam's curses would weaken the Israelites and give the Moabites an advantage over them.

However, despite Balak's repeated attempts to bribe and coerce Balaam into cursing the Israelites, the prophet found himself unable to do so. Instead, on three separate occasions, Balaam pronounced blessings upon the Israelites, declaring that they were a people blessed by God (Numbers 23:7-10, 18-24; 24:3-9, 15-24). Moreover, Balaam's prophecies included a vivid description of God's abundant provision for His people, declaring that the Israelites would dwell in prosperity, their enemies would be defeated, and they would be blessed with abundance (Numbers 23:20-24).

In essence, Balaam's prophecies depicted God preparing a table for the Israelites in the presence of their enemies, who had wished them harm and curses. This powerful imagery serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and power, demonstrating His ability to turn the tables on those who seek to harm His people. Despite the efforts of Balak and Balaam to curse the Israelites, God turned their intentions upside down, using Balaam's words to pronounce blessings upon His people instead.

Balaam's blessings were not mere words; they were divinely inspired prophecies that revealed God's plans and purposes for the Israelites. Through Balaam's lips, God declared that the Israelites were a people set apart for Himself, a people whom He had chosen to be His own special treasure (Numbers 23:9-10). These blessings served as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness to His people and His determination to protect and provide for them.

In this remarkable story, we see a vivid illustration of God's sovereignty and power. Despite the efforts of Balak and Balaam to curse the Israelites, God turned their intentions upside down, using Balaam's words to pronounce blessings upon His people instead. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that God is always in control, and that His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes or devices.

Then David says, "You anoint my head with oil" (Psalm 23:5). This statement is deeply significant, as it symbolizes the Lord's divine favor and empowerment upon David's life. The table has already been prepared in the presence of his enemies, and now, as they watch, they see that their efforts to harm David are utterly in vain. Instead, they behold the unmistakable sign of the kingly anointing, or the victory-proclaiming anointing, being poured upon David's head.

As David's enemies witness the table spread before him, they are forced to confront the reality of their own powerlessness. Despite their best efforts to thwart David's destiny, God's provision and anointing upon his life render their attempts futile.

The anointing oil on David's head serves as a potent symbol of his kingly authority, as well as a declaration of God's victory on his behalf. This anointing is not limited to David's head alone; rather, it represents a complete and total anointing that encompasses his entire being.

The psalmist's allegory in Psalm 133:1-2, which describes the unity of brothers as being like the anointing oil on Aaron's head, provides insight into the nature of this anointing. Just as the oil flowed down from Aaron's head, over his beard, and down to the hem of his garments, so too does the anointing on David's head represent a complete and total saturation of his being with God's presence and power.

In this sense, David stands before his enemies as a wholly anointed individual, empowered by God's Spirit and provision. This anointing serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, even in the face of adversity.

The significance of this anointing is further underscored by its Old Testament roots. In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a sacred ritual reserved for kings, priests, and prophets, symbolizing their divine appointment and empowerment for service (Exodus 29:7, 1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13).

As we continue to explore the significance of David's declaration, "You anoint my head with oil" (Psalm 23:5), let's take a brief detour to examine the allegorical connections between Aaron's head, David's head, and the head of the church. This detour will provide a richer understanding of the anointing process and its implications for the body of Christ.

In Psalm 110:1, we find a fascinating scripture that sheds light on the relationship between David and his Lord: "My Lord said to my Lord..." This passage highlights the complex dynamics between David and Jesus Christ, who was both David's descendant and his Lord. Although Jesus was physically the son of David, He was also David's Lord, a truth that underscores the divine nature of Jesus Christ.

Now, let's return to the allegory of the heads. When David says, "You anoint my head with oil," he may not have fully grasped the profound implications of his words. However, in hindsight, we can see that this statement has far-reaching consequences. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:3, "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." Therefore, when David's head is anointed with oil, it is akin to anointing the head of the church.

Similarly, when Aaron's head was anointed with oil, it was not just Aaron as an individual who was being anointed, but rather his head, which represented his office and his role as the high priest (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12). This anointing was not limited to Aaron alone, but it also extended to his body, which represented the entire priestly order.

In this context, the anointing of David's head, as well as Aaron's, takes on a deeper significance. The anointing oil was applied not to their entire being, but specifically to their heads. This distinction is crucial, as it symbolizes the anointing of the head of the church, rather than the church itself.

In the same way, when Christ, the head of the church, is anointed, His body, which is the church, also receives blessings and benefits through Him (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16). As the head of the body, Christ is the source of life, nourishment, and growth for His church. The church, as His body, is intimately connected to Him and receives its blessings and provisions through Him.

In this sense, the anointing of David's head, Aaron's head, and Christ's head all point to the same profound truth: the head represents the source of life, authority, and blessing for the body. As believers, we are part of Christ's body, and we receive our blessings and provisions through Him, our head. This understanding underscores the vital importance of our connection to Christ, our head, and the source of all life and nourishment for His church.

The imagery of the oil flowing slowly from the head down to the most bottom part of the entire body is a profound and multifaceted symbol. In the context of the body of Christ, the church, this image represents the gradual and orderly dissemination of divine blessings, empowerment, and anointing throughout the various members of the congregation.

Within the body of Christ, there exists a divinely ordained hierarchy, with Christ Himself as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Colossians 1:18). However, it is essential to recognize that there is no "assistant Jesus" or secondary savior. Instead, the church is comprised of various members, each with their unique roles, responsibilities, and levels of spiritual maturity.

These members include prominent leaders such as bishops, elders, priests, and deacons, who serve as shepherds, teachers, and guardians of the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4). However, the body of Christ also consists of less prominent but equally vital members, who may not hold positions of leadership or visibility but are nonetheless essential to the functioning and well-being of the entire body.

These "invisible" members may be likened to the internal organs of the human body, such as the kidney, liver, heart, intestines, and other private parts. Although they may not be immediately visible, they play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health, vitality, and cohesion of the body. These serve in quieter, behind-the-scenes roles, are also anointed by God to fulfill their unique purposes. They may be intercessors, servants, or simply faithful attendees who support the ministry through their prayers and presence. Regardless of their role, they are all vital to the overall health and well-being of the body.

In the spiritual realm, each member of the body of Christ receives an anointing that corresponds to their spiritual level and seniority within the body. This anointing flows gradually down the body from the head, Christ Himself, who is the Anointed One (Acts 4:27; Hebrews 1:9). As the Anointed One, Christ's anointing is not limited to Himself alone but extends to His entire body, the church.

Through Christ, the anointing flows to the various members of His body, empowering them to fulfill their unique roles and responsibilities within the church. This anointing enables believers to serve one another, to minister to the needs of others, and to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). As the anointing flows throughout the body, it brings life, vitality, and cohesion to the entire church, enabling believers to function as a unified, harmonious, and effective body of Christ.

Now, let's revisit the compelling narrative of David's anointing, where we find him in the midst of his enemies, yet surrounded by the Lord's favor and provision. As we recall, the Lord Himself had prepared a table for David, symbolizing His abundant provision and care. Furthermore, David's head had been anointed with oil, signifying his divine appointment and empowerment as the future king of Israel.

As we delve deeper into this narrative, we'll explore the profound implications of David's anointing and the Lord's provision, and how these themes continue to resonate with believers today.

As David stands anointed before his enemies, he embodies the reality of God's sovereign choice and empowerment. This powerful image serves as a reminder that, as believers, we too are anointed by God for His purposes, and that His presence and power in our lives render the efforts of our enemies ultimately futile.

The experience of being anointed is intricately linked with being blessed by God. When we are anointed, we are empowered and equipped for a specific purpose or task. However, being blessed by God takes it a step further, enabling us to enjoy the abundant provisions and favors that He graciously bestows upon us.

In the context of Psalm 23, David's declaration, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows" (Psalm 23:5), beautifully illustrates this dual concept. The anointing oil represents God's empowering presence, while the overflowing cup symbolizes the abundant blessings and provisions that David experiences.

When these two realities converge in the presence of one's enemies, the impact is profound. Both the beneficiary of God's anointing and blessing, as well as their adversaries, are left in awe of the Lord's power and majesty. This awe-inspiring display of God's favor and provision serves as a testament to His sovereignty and goodness.

This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the biblical account of David's anointing as king of Israel. Despite the presence of his enemies, including the incumbent King Saul, David is anointed by the prophet Samuel, symbolizing God's divine favor and blessing upon his life (1 Samuel 16:1-13). As David navigates the challenges and dangers of his journey, he remains steadfast in his trust in the Lord, acknowledging that his anointing and blessing are a direct result of God's sovereign power and favor.

As a result, all glory and praise return to Him, as acknowledged in Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." This sentiment echoes the biblical principle that God's ultimate purpose is to manifest His glory and majesty in all aspects of life (Isaiah 43:7, Ephesians 1:12).

In the Old Testament, the concept of blessing was often associated with material prosperity, fertility, and protection (Genesis 12:2-3, Deuteronomy 28:1-14). However, the New Testament expands this concept to include spiritual blessings, such as salvation, redemption, and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:3-14).

Ultimately, the anointing and blessing that David experienced in the presence of his enemies serve as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people. Despite the challenges and adversities that we may face, we can rest assured that God's empowering presence and abundant provisions are always available to us, leading us to proclaim His glory and majesty in all circumstances.

As we bring our exploration of Psalm 23:5 to a close, we are met with David's triumphant declaration: "My cup runs over." These words serve as a testament to the abundant blessings and provisions that David has received from the Lord. Having been anointed by God and seated at the table the Lord prepared for him in the presence of his enemies, David's cup is now overflowing with divine favor and goodness.

However, as we reflect on David's character, we are reminded that he is not one to let his blessings go to waste. Rather, he recognizes that his cup is not just his own, but also a vessel for blessing others. David's cup overflows, not into waste, but into the lives of those around him, such as Mephibosheth and the needy.

In this sense, David's cup is a symbol of his stewardship, not just his blessings. The Lord fills David's cup until it overruns, but it is up to David to make room in it by sharing with others. This is a powerful reminder that our blessings are not just for our own personal enjoyment, but also for the benefit of those around us.

As David would likely attest, a wise person recognizes the value of sharing their blessings with others. By doing so, we not only bring joy and relief to those in need, but we also create space in our own lives for even more blessings to flow in. David's declaration, "My cup runs over," serves as a powerful reminder of the Lord's abundant provision and our responsibility to steward those blessings wisely.

In essence, David's cup running over is not just a statement of his personal blessings, but also a testament to his commitment to sharing those blessings with others. As we close this chapter, may we be inspired by David's example, recognizing that our blessings are not just for ourselves, but also for the benefit of those around us.

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